Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso hails third straight final as career milestone

Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Miguel Cardoso, has described his third straight CAF Champions League final feat as a career milestone.

The South African giants sealed their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 aggregate victory over Esperance, winning both home and away to underline their dominance in the semi-final tie.

“We deserved to win. The CAF Champions League sometimes requires a high level of defensive commitment, and the team’s players showed great maturity in dealing with the match.”

“I am happy with the level of the players, and proud of them, the club’s management, and the fans. Qualifying for the final for the third time in a row is an important achievement in my career.”

The Portuguese coach also struck a personal note, saying: “I came to Africa to fulfill my dreams, and I dedicate this qualification to my grandmother, my family, my wife and my children in Portugal, and I thank them for their continued support.”

Cardoso further highlighted the importance of scheduling support for continental contenders, stating: “Postponing the local league matches is a positive step for the clubs participating continentally, as it gives them the right conditions to achieve success in the African championships.”

This latest milestone marks Cardoso’s third consecutive CAF Champions League final appearance, having previously reached the showpiece with Esperance and Sundowns, though falling short on both occasions against Al Ahly and Pyramids FC respectively.

In doing so, he becomes the first coach since Pitso Mosimane—who achieved the feat with Al Ahly between 2020 and 2022—to reach three consecutive finals in Africa’s premier club competition.

For Sundowns, the qualification is equally historic. The South African giants have now reached the Champions League final in back-to-back seasons for the first time, and for the fourth time overall in their history.

They will also face a non-Egyptian opponent in the final for the first time, having previously come up against Al Ahly in 2001, Zamalek SC in 2016, and Pyramids in 2025.

With momentum, experience, and belief on their side, Sundowns now stand just one step away from continental glory as Cardoso looks to finally crown his remarkable run with the ultimate prize.